This sentence uses a simile to describe the men running like cripples in their clumsy boots, highlighting their awkward and inefficient movement. The comparison to spiders suggests that they are trying to move quietly and discreetly, like spiders crawling silently. This imagery may convey a sense of urgency, stealth, or desperation in the actions of the men. It could also imply that they are trying to avoid detection or are in a tense or dangerous situation.
